Vented Metallic Container End Closure

ABSTRACT

A metallic container end closure is provided that generally comprises a dispensing opening and a vent opening. The vent opening improves pourability through the dispensing opening and provides an alternative option for consuming the contents of the container. The end closure may include features to ease opening of the vent opening, such as stiffeners and/or vent form features. Additionally, the end closure may include various safety features, such as a safety fold. In some configurations, the container end closure does not include a pull tab for opening.

This U.S. Non-Provisional patent application is a Continuation of andclaims the benefit of priority from U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/667,928 filed Nov. 2, 2012, and claims priority to U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 61/555,657, filed Nov. 4, 2011, the entiredisclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to a metallic container endclosure, and more particularly, to a vented metallic container endclosure with a plurality of openings to provide enhanced flow andpourability.

BACKGROUND

Generally, the configuration of a container end closure affects thelevel to which end consumers, as well as bottlers, manufacturers,distributors, shippers, and retailers, are satisfied with a container.One factor believed to be of some importance to consumers is the pourcharacteristics of the container. In general, it is believed thatconsumers prefer to use containers capable of providing a relativelyhigh pour rate. Additionally, it is believed consumers prefer containersthat provide a smooth or substantially laminar pour, i.e. a pour whichis not characterized by a series of surges or “glugging”.

Many container configurations exist to enhance flow through a containerend closure aperture. For example, some containers utilize a singlelarge hole to admit air for venting the dispensed liquid. Examples areprovided in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,210,257; 5,007,554; 4,416,389; 4,148,410;4,465,204; and 4,361,251; the disclosures of which are incorporatedherein by reference in their entirety. Unfortunately, such largeropenings tend to be associated with a higher rate of problems such asbursting, buckling, leakage, opening failures and the like, particularlywhen the contents are pressurized. Additionally, in configurations oflarge openings coupled with relatively small hinge regions, containerleakage and/or separation of the panel and/or other components can be aproblem upon opening. In some instances, components have been expelledfrom the container end closure. Furthermore, such larger openings aredifficult or infeasible to provide in container ends which arerelatively small.

In order to produce a more efficient, controlled flow rate, somecontainers utilize a tab to open two or more pour openings. Thisincreases the flow rate of the beverage and provides better control ofthe liquid stream. Additionally, a second vent hole may be utilized todepressurize a container, and thus allow for easier opening of thedispensing port. This is especially advantageous for carbonated and maltbeverages such as beer. Examples are provided in U.S. Pat. Nos.4,205,760; 5,307,947; 5,397,014; 6,024,239; 6,079,583; 7,513,383;7,748,557; 8,245,866 and U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos.2010/0294771, 2011/0056946 and 2002/0139800; the disclosures of whichare incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. However, manyprior art end closures with a vent opening may be opened with fingerpressure alone and utilize a score residual with a thickness which isprone to prematurely severing, and thus causing leaks or failures duringstacking.

Thus, there is a need to provide a container end closure that providesenhanced pour characteristics while minimizing the likelihood ofproblems such as bursting, buckling, leakage, opening failures, and thelike.

SUMMARY

The present invention is generally directed to systems and methods whichprovide metallic container end closures with a plurality of openings forimproved venting and pour characteristics. The present disclosurediscusses opening configurations utilizing various numbers, positions,shapes, sizes, and orientations of openings. These configurations arepresented herein for purposes of description and illustration and shouldnot be viewed as limiting the present invention to any particularembodiment or arrangement.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a metalliccontainer end closure is provided that provides a consumer with aplurality of openings. In general, the plurality of openings may varydepending on desired characteristics of the container end closure. Forexample, the plurality of openings may vary in number, size, shape,location, and orientation. In some embodiments, a dispensing openingprovides an aperture for pouring the contents of the container, and asingle vent opening provides ventilation for air flow into the containerfor pour control. In some embodiments, only one dispensing opening isprovided, but a plurality of vent openings may also be utilized in someembodiments. The plurality of vent openings may provide apertures tovent the container to enhance product flow out of the dispensingopening, to dispense the product at varying flow rates, to accommodate astraw, and/or to allow multiple consumers to drink out of the samecontainer without contacting the same part of the container end closure.

In addition to varying the number of openings, the size of the openingsmay vary. Larger openings may be included in an end closure to provide aconsumer with a faster dispensing rate. Smaller openings may be includedto provide container venting, thus depressurizing the container andproviding enhanced pourability. Additionally, smaller openings may beused to dispense contents at a slower rate, which may be advantageousfor children. Smaller openings also may be configured to selectivelyaccommodate a straw. This configuration may be desirable for children asthe smaller opening reduces the flow rate during spills and the use of astraw may increase the likelihood that the child will drink the product.In one embodiment, a large dispensing opening for dispensing the productand a small vent opening for venting the container is provided. Inanother embodiment, a large dispensing opening and a large vent openingis provided. In this embodiment, the consumer has two substantiallyequivalent dispensing options.

Various opening shapes are contemplated. For example, the opening shapesmay be triangular, square, bulbous, circular, curved, and/or othershapes known in the art. Further, the shapes may be symmetrical ornon-symmetrical about a plane that bisects the opening area. The shapeof the opening may be chosen based on the desired flow rate and the easeof fracturing an associated score. For example, one embodiment of thepresent disclosure contemplates providing a score with a triangularshape, the triangular shape having a stress concentration at the apex ofthe triangle, thus reducing the amount of force necessary to fracturethe score near the apex. Additionally, the triangular shape allows anopening tool to focalize the opening force on a smaller area near theapex as opposed to a round score shape.

The location of the openings on the end closure may vary as well. Insome embodiments, a dispensing opening and a vent opening are provided.In these embodiments, the vent opening is selectively located on thecontainer end closure so that when a container is tipped to dispense itscontents out of the dispensing opening, the contents do not exit out ofthe vent opening. This selective location prevents spillage out of thevent opening while dispensing product out of the dispensing opening, andthe location increases the smoothness of the pour by providing adequatecontainer venting.

The orientation of the openings also may vary. In some embodiments, adispensing opening and a vent opening is provided in which the ventopening is oriented toward the panel outer perimeter. More specifically,the score termination associated with the vent opening is directed awayfrom the center of the end closure central panel and toward the panelouter perimeter. In this embodiment a hinge point is created, whereinthe vent panel is pushed downward with an opening tool. This reduces thelikelihood of a score rupture extending across the central panel of thecontainer end closure.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a metalliccontainer end closure is provided that reduces the difficulty of openinga vent opening. In some embodiments, a stiffening structure is providedthat adds stiffness to the panel area near a secondary score. Thestiffening structure may have various shapes and configurations. Forexample, the stiffening structure may be a raised or recessed portion ofthe central panel, such as a bead. Alternatively, the stiffeningstructure can be a separate element that is coupled to the centralpanel. By adding stiffness to the central panel near a secondary score,the stiffening structure will reduce panel deflection and thus anydownward force exerted on a secondary gate will be focused on thesecondary score. Thus, the opening force required to fracture thesecondary score is reduced. Alternatively, a stiffening structure mayalso be included on the secondary vent panel as well. Further, in someembodiments, a vent form feature is provided that increases thestiffness of the panel near a secondary score and provides a seat for anopening tool. In these embodiments, the vent form feature may havevarious shapes and configurations. For example, the vent form featuremay be a raised or recessed portion of the panel, such as a ramp.Alternatively, the vent form feature can be a separate element that iscoupled to the central panel. By adding stiffness to the central panelnear a secondary score, the vent form feature reduces the opening forcerequired to fracture a secondary score. By providing a seat for anopening tool, the vent form feature reduces slippage and increases forcetransfer from an opening tool to a secondary gate associated with a ventopening. Moreover, in some embodiments, a safety fold providesadditional stiffness around a vent opening.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a metalliccontainer end closure is provided that reduces the chances of a consumerinjury. In some embodiments, a vent opening is provided with anassociated secondary score that terminates toward a panel outerperimeter. As discussed above, the orientation of the secondary scoretermination towards the panel outer perimeter reduces the likelihood ofa score rupture extending across the central panel of the container endclosure. In some embodiments, a vent opening is provided with anassociated stiffening structure that extends beyond end points of anassociated secondary score. In such embodiments, the stiffeningstructure minimizes the likelihood of a score rupture extending acrossthe central panel of the container end closure. In some embodiments, thestiffening structure encloses a secondary score, thereby furtherreducing the risk of a score rupturing beyond its termination endpoints. In some configurations, the enclosing structure is a raisedportion of the panel. In these configurations, once the secondary gateis opened, a consumer's finger contacts the raised stiffening structureand, based on the dimensions of the opening, the consumer's fingercannot contact the fractured score. To further prevent injury, in someembodiments, a safety fold is provided that provides a smooth edgearound a vent opening and prevents user contact with a fractured score.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a containerend closure is provided that increases consumer interaction with thecontainer. In at least one embodiment, an opening tool is provided toopen a vent opening, thus allowing for the use of a score residual witha greater thickness and reducing the likelihood of a premature opening.The opening tool may be, for example, a coin, a standard church key, acustomized church key, a car key, or a pen. Alternatively, fingerpressure alone is sufficient for opening. Various designs of openingtools may be utilized. In some embodiments, indicium, such as a logo, isassociated with a vent opening. This draws the consumer's attention to avent opening. Further, in some embodiments, a container end closure isprovided that includes an increased area for billboarding and no tab. Inthese embodiments, an opening tool is required to selectively open anyprovided opening.

In one aspect of the present invention, a vented metallic end closureadapted for interconnection to a neck of a container body is providedand, comprising a peripheral curl; a chuck wall extending downwardlyfrom the peripheral curl; a countersink interconnected to a lower end ofthe chuck wall; and a central panel interconnected to the countersink,the central panel having a primary score defining a dispensing opening;a secondary score defining a vent opening with a vent panel positionedproximate to the peripheral curl of said central panel, wherein thesecondary score termination is directed towards the central panelperipheral curl to form a hinge point, and said vent panel is inclineddownwardly toward an interior portion of said central panel to define aramp.

In another aspect of the present invention, a vented beverage containeris provided, comprising a container body with a lower end and an upperend defined by a neck; and a metallic end closure integrallyinterconnected to the neck, the end closure comprising a peripheralcurl, a chuck wall, a countersink, a central panel, a primary scoredefining a dispensing opening, and a secondary score defining a ventopening, and wherein the secondary score termination is directed towardsthe peripheral curl to form a hinge point, and at least a portion ofsaid secondary vent opening is defined by an inclined panel orientedinwardly toward an interior portion of said central panel and forming aramp to engage an opening tool.

In yet another aspect of the present invention, a method for opening abeverage container with a secondary vent opening is provided, comprisingproviding a container body with a lower end with a support surface and aneck on an upper end; providing a metallic end closure with a peripheralcurl interconnected to the neck of said container, a chuck wall, acountersink and a central panel; providing a dispensing opening in saidcentral panel with a first area defined by a primary score; providing avent opening with a second area no greater than 25% of said first areaand defined by a secondary score, said dispensing opening positionedproximate to an outer edge of said central panel and above a centerportion of said central panel and opposite said primary score; providinga pull tab interconnected to said central panel which comprises a liftring and a nose, said nose positioned over at least a portion of saiddispensing opening; pulling said lift ring to drive said nose into saiddispensing opening to shear said primary score and create the dispensingopening; positioning an opening tool over said vent opening and engaginga ramp and an inclined panel of said vent opening; applying an openingface with said opening tool to sever said secondary score and open saidvent opening, wherein air is allowed to ingress into said vent openingwhile product is being dispensed from said dispensing opening.

As discussed herein, the container and associated container end closuregenerally is formed of conventional metallic materials, such asaluminum. However, a container end closure according to certainembodiments of the present invention can be formed of other materialsincluding other metals or metal alloys, plastics, cardboard, paper,fiber reinforced materials, and the like.

The phrases “at least one”, “one or more”, and “and/or”, as used herein,are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive inoperation. For example, each of the expressions “at least one of A, Band C”, “at least one of A, B, or C”, “one or more of A, B, and C”, “oneor more of A, B, or C” and “A, B, and/or C” means A alone, B alone, Calone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B andC together.

The term “a” or “an” entity, as used herein, refers to one or more ofthat entity. As such, the terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more” and “atleast one” can be used interchangeably herein.

The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereofherein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalentsthereof as well as additional items. Accordingly, the terms “including,”“comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof can be usedinterchangeably herein.

It shall be understood that the term “means” as used herein shall begiven its broadest possible interpretation in accordance with 35 U.S.C.,Section 112, Paragraph 6. Accordingly, a claim incorporating the term“means” shall cover all structures, materials, or acts set forth herein,and all of the equivalents thereof. Further, the structures, materialsor acts and the equivalents thereof shall include all those described inthe summary of the invention, brief description of the drawings,detailed description, abstract, and claims themselves.

The Summary is neither intended nor should it be construed as beingrepresentative of the full extent and scope of the present invention.Moreover, references made herein to “the present invention” or aspectsthereof should be understood to mean certain embodiments of the presentinvention and should not necessarily be construed as limiting allembodiments to a particular description. The present invention is setforth in various levels of detail in the Summary as well as in theattached drawings and the Detailed Description and no limitation as tothe scope of the present invention is intended by either the inclusionor non-inclusion of elements, components, etc. in this Summary.Additional aspects of the present invention will become more readilyapparent from the Detail Description, particularly when taken togetherwith the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention andtogether with the general description given above and the detaileddescription of the drawings given below, serve to explain the principlesof these embodiments. In certain instances, details that are notnecessary for an understanding of the disclosure or that render otherdetails difficult to perceive may have been omitted. It should beunderstood, of course, that the invention is not necessarily limited tothe particular embodiments illustrated herein. Additionally, it shouldbe understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale.

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a container according to previous devices;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a container depicting quadrant zones;

FIG. 3 a is a top plan view of a container end closure according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 b is another top plan view of the container end closure of FIG. 3a depicting opening areas of a dispensing opening and a vent opening;

FIG. 3 c is a related embodiment to FIG. 3 a with a modified ventopening;

FIG. 4 a is a top plan view of a container end closure with anon-symmetrical stiffening structure according to an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 4 b is a partially fragmented section view taken along line A-A ofFIG. 4 a;

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of a container end closure with a scoreenclosed within a stiffening structure according to an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIGS. 6 a-d are partially fragmented section views taken along line A-Aof FIG. 5 depicting various configurations of vent form featuresaccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 7 a-b are side elevation views of a stiffening structure alongwith an associated safety feature according to an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIGS. 8 a-c are views of a vent opening utilizing a safety foldaccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 9 a-f are top plan views of various configurations of ventopenings and associated features according to embodiments of the presentinvention;

FIGS. 10 a-c are top plan views of further configurations of ventopenings and associated features according to embodiments of the presentinvention;

FIGS. 11 a-b are top plan views of a container end closure not utilizinga pull tab according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 12 a-b are top plan views of the container end closure of FIGS. 10a-b with varying opening sizes;

FIGS. 13 a-b are top plan views of the container end closure of FIGS. 10a-b with generally u-shaped openings;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an opening tool according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a partially fragmented section view of an opening toolselectively positioned on a container end closure according to anembodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 16 a is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 16 b is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 16 ataken at line “A-A”;

FIG. 16 c is a cross-sectional elevation view of the embodiment shown inFIG. 16 a taken at line “A-A”, but including dimensional data and anangle ***alpha of the vent panel.

To assist in the understanding of the drawings, the following is a listof components and associated numbering found in the drawings:

# Components 2 Container 6 Container body 10 Necked region 14 Containerend closure 16 End closure outer perimeter 18 Score 22 Gate 24 Tab 26Rivet 30 Pivot point 32 Rear edge 34 Forward edge 36 Gate hinge 38Inward score 42 Upper right quadrant 46 Lower right quadrant 50 Lowerleft quadrant 54 Upper left quadrant 58 Central panel 62 Panel outerperimeter 66 Dispensing opening 68 Debossed area 70 Vent opening 74Stiffening structure 78 Secondary score 82 Vent form feature or panel 86Secondary gate 90 Secondary gate hinge 94 Secondary score end point 98Secondary score end point 106 Stiffening structure end point 110Stiffening structure end point 112 First segment 114 Second segment 116Countersink 118 Inner panel wall 120 Outer panel wall 122 Chuck wall 124Peripheral seam 126 Residual 128 Finger 130 Safety fold 132 Edge 134Circular portion 138 Stem portion 142 Axis 146 Axis 150 Indicia 154Primary gate hinge 158 Church key 162 Handle 166 Claw 170 Forward end172 Ramp 174 Lip portion 176 Vent panel length

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities ofingredients, dimensions, reaction conditions, and so forth used in thespecification and claims are to be understood as being modified in allinstances by the term “about”.

Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it isto be understood that the invention is not limited in its application tothe details of construction and the arrangement of components set forthin the following description or illustrated in the following drawings.The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced orof being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood thatthe phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose ofdescription and should not be regarded as limiting.

Referring to FIG. 1, a top plan view of a prior art container is shown.In the container 2 of FIG. 1, a container body 6 is provided with anecked region 10 leading to a body end which is covered, in the depictedembodiment, with a container end closure 14. Manners of formingcontainer bodies and container ends and of attaching or coupling thetwo, to form the depicted device, are well known in the art.

The container end closure 14 generally has an end closure outerperimeter 16 and includes a score 18 commonly formed by stamping with adie or “knife” to define a gate 22. A tab 24 is coupled to the containerend closure 14, for example, by a rivet 26 whose center defines a pivotpoint 30. Generally, lifting the rear edge 32 of the tab 24 up andtowards the gate 22 results in the forward edge 34, or nose, of the tab24 pressing downward on part of the gate 22 with sufficient force tocause a rupture to form along the score 18, permitting the gate 22 tobend or pivot inward about a gate hinge 36 defined between the endpoints of the score 18. Once the gate 22 has been pivoted inward, thecontainer end closure 14 has a dispensing opening 66 whose perimeter isdefined by the score 18 and the gate hinge. In the depictedconfiguration, a second inward “anti-fractive” score 38 is positionedsubstantially parallel with the rupture score 18. The interior score 38has been found useful in protecting the rupture score 18; however, norupture occurs along the interior score 38 in normal operation.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a top plan view is provided of a container 2segmented into four quadrant zones. The quadrant zones are used fordescription purposes and will be referenced throughout the disclosure.As shown in FIG. 2, the container 2 has an upper right quadrant 42, alower right quadrant 46, a lower left quadrant 50, and an upper leftquadrant 54. Each quadrant has the same shape and size. It will berecognized that the referenced quadrants are provided primarily forillustration purposes and no limitation or specific structural divisionis implied by FIG. 2. However, the vent openings 70 described herein aregenerally oriented within the upper right and upper left quadrants wherethe score lines are positioned in the lower left and lower rightquadrants. Preferably the vent openings are positioned between about20-70 degrees from the Y axis in each quadrant. Further, the ventopenings are positioned in a location which is generally offset from theleft end of the pull tab to prevent inadvertent opening if the pull tabwas inadvertently pushed downward on the vent opening.

Referring to FIG. 3 a, a top view of a container end closure accordingto an embodiment of the present invention is provided. In FIG. 3 a, acontainer 2 includes a container body 6 with a necked region 10 and acontainer end closure 14. The container end closure 14 includes acentral panel 58 with a radius 62, and the panel has a dispensingopening 66 and a vent opening 70. The dispensing opening 66 shown inFIG. 3 a is associated with a score 18, a gate 22, a tab 24, a rivet 26,and a recessed or debossed area 68. As illustrated, the tab 24 ispositioned for bending the gate 22 inward, thus opening the dispensingopening 66. In this embodiment, the dispensing opening 66 is included toquickly dispense the contents of the container 2.

The vent opening 70 is associated with various features including areinforcing or stiffening structure 74, such as a raised or recessedsupport bead, a secondary score 78, and a vent form feature 82, whichwill be discussed in more detail in connection with FIG. 6. Thereinforcing or stiffening structure 74 provides stiffness to the ventopening 70 to ease opening of the vent opening and assists in preventinga tear from propagating across the central panel 58. Although stiffeningin this region can take a number of forms, in the depicted embodiment,the stiffening structure 74 generally comprises a u-shape, which is thesame general shape as the secondary score 78. In this embodiment, thevent opening 70 provides a vent for the container. The vent openingallows a consumer to depressurize a container 2 before opening thedispensing opening 66, which provides easier opening of the dispensingopening 66 and enhanced pourability through the dispensing opening 66.Additionally, the vent opening 70 may be selectively sized toaccommodate a straw. In this configuration, a consumer may choose toconsume the contents of the container 2 through a straw disposed withinthe vent opening 70, thus making the opening of the dispensing opening66 unnecessary. Further, in some embodiments the vent panel positionedwithin the secondary score 78 may include a stiffening structure 74 orsupport bead to prevent tearing.

Referring to FIG. 3 b, the container end closure 14 of FIG. 3 a isillustrated with a dispensing opening 66 and a vent opening 70 bothopened. To open the dispensing opening 66, a consumer pulls upward onthe rear edge 32 of the tab 24 to cause the forward edge 34, or nose, ofthe tab 24 to contact the gate 22 and rupture the score 18, as discussedin more detail above in connection with FIG. 1. To open the ventopening, a consumer generally utilizes an opening tool, such as a coinor a church key, although finger pressure is sufficient in someembodiments. The opening tool presses downward on at least a portion ofthe secondary gate 86 with sufficient force to cause a rupture to formalong the secondary score 78, permitting the secondary gate 86 to bendor pivot inward about a secondary gate hinge 90 defined between the endpoints 94, 98 of the secondary score 78. The bending or pivoting of thesecondary gate 86 opens the vent opening 70, whose perimeter is definedby the secondary score 78 and the secondary gate hinge 86.

As depicted, endpoints 106, 110 of the stiffening structure 74 arepositioned substantially adjacent or beyond the endpoints of the 94, 98of the secondary score 78 to assist in avoiding propagation of a rupturebeyond the secondary score end points 94, 98 and across the centralpanel 58. Additionally, the secondary score 78 termination is towardsthe panel outer perimeter 62 to further minimize the likelihood ofpropagation of a rupture across the central panel 58. These safetyfeatures allow score propagation to terminate not farther from centerthan the panel outer perimeter 62 and thus not propagate across the mainpanel area.

As illustrated in FIG. 3 b, the vent opening 70 may be located in theupper right quadrant 42 and may be smaller than the dispensing opening66. The vent opening's 70 location and smaller size keeps the contentsof the container 2 from dispensing through the vent opening 70 whendrinking from the dispensing opening 66. For example, in FIG. 3 b, thedispensing opening 66 is located in the lower right quadrant 46 and thelower left quadrant 50. To drink from the dispensing opening 66, aconsumer would position the dispensing opening 66 close to their mouthand tip the bottom of the container 2 upward. In this method of use, thecontents of the container 2 would be dispensed through the dispensingopening 66 and the vent opening 70 would operate as a vent to increasethe pourability of the container contents. In at least one embodiment,the size of the vent opening 70 is approximately five percent of thearea of the dispensing opening 66 to provide adequate venting whilepreventing contents from dispensing through the vent opening 70 whendrinking from the dispensing opening 66. In some embodiments, the ventopening 70 may be located in the same quadrant as the dispensing opening66. In these embodiments, the vent opening 70 operates as a slowerdispensing rate option as compared to the dispensing opening 66.Additionally, the vent opening 70 may be selectively sized toaccommodate a straw.

In some embodiments, the dispensing opening 66 is the primary mode offailure relative to the vent opening 70. The failure mode is based on atleast two design criteria, the size of the opening and the scoreresidual. As discussed above, in at least one embodiment, the ventopening 70 is smaller than the dispensing opening 66. As such, thesmaller vent opening 70 has a lower force exerted on it by thepressurized container than the larger dispensing opening 66. Based onthe lower force exerted on the smaller vent opening 70, the smaller ventopening 70 would require an extremely high internal pressure, higherthan currently available carbonated drink pressures, to allow it to bethe primary mode of failure unless the score residual of the smallervent opening 70 was proportionally less than the score residual of thelarger dispensing opening 66. As will be appreciated by one of skill inthe art, the secondary score residual and the primary score residual maybe varied to alter the primary mode of failure. In some embodiments, thesecondary score residual is approximately the same thickness as theprimary score residual to about 0.0005 inches less than the primaryscore residual. Further, plastisol or other adhesives may be used tominimize the chance for score fractures when the score is required to bedeeper to aid in easier opening.

Referring to FIG. 3 c, a modified vent opening 70 is depicted accordingto another embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the positionof the secondary score 78 relative to the stiffening structure 74 andthe vent form feature 82 is different as compared to FIG. 3 a. Morespecifically, the distance between the stiffening structure 74, thesecondary score 78, and the vent form feature 82 is greater in FIG. 3 cthan in FIG. 3 a. By altering the design of the stiffening structure 74and the vent form feature 82, various configurations of the vent opening70 may be utilized according to embodiments of the present invention.

In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, various shapesand configurations of the stiffening structure 74 may be utilized,including symmetrical and non-symmetrical stiffening structures 74.Referring to FIG. 4 a, an embodiment of a container end closure 14 isprovided with a non-symmetrical stiffening structure 74. As depicted,stiffening structure 74 is not symmetrical about line A-A. Moreparticularly, a first segment 112 of the stiffening structure 74 iscloser to the line A-A than a second segment 114 of the stiffeningstructure 74. Various factors including the desired opening forcerequired to rupture the secondary score, the design of the vent formfeature 82 and the orientation of the vent opening 70 relative to thepanel outer perimeter 62 will determine the configuration and shape ofthe stiffening structure 74.

FIG. 4 b is a partially fragmented section view taken along line A-A ofFIG. 4 a. As illustrated in FIG. 4 b, a container end closure 14 isinterconnected to a container body 6. The container end closure 14includes a central panel 58 interconnected to a countersink 116 havingan inner panel wall 118 and an outer panel wall 120, which is in turninterconnected to a chuck wall 122 and a peripheral seam 124. Beforeinterconnection to a container body, the container end closure has anouter edge formed into a peripheral curl. Upon interconnection, theperipheral curl is formed into a peripheral seam 124. As depicted, thecentral panel 58 includes a stiffening structure 74, a score 78, aresidual 126, a vent form feature 82, and a panel outer perimeter 62. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the stiffening structure 74 is a raised beadand the vent form feature 82 is a recessed portion of the panel. Thescore 78 is disposed between the stiffening structure 74 and therecessed vent form feature 82. In general, the design of the stiffeningstructure 74, the score 78, and the vent form feature 82 affects theopening force required to fracture the score 78. For example, thepositioning and the shape of the vent form feature 82 relative to thescore 78 will focalize an opening force, thereby making the score 78easier to fracture. Additionally, the more rigid the stiffeningstructure 74 makes the area proximate to the score 78, the easier itwill be to open the vent opening 70. Further, the shape of the score 78affects the opening force. For example, a triangular score 78 will allowan opening tool to focus the opening force on a smaller area near theapex of the triangle formed by the score 78 as opposed to a round-shapedscore.

Referring to FIG. 5, an embodiment of a container end closure 14 isprovided with a secondary score 78 enclosed within a stiffeningstructure 74. As illustrated, the secondary score 78 and the vent formfeature 82 are enclosed within the stiffening structure 74. In thisconfiguration, the stiffening structure 74 provides additional stiffnessand rigidity to the vent opening 70. Accordingly, a force exerted nearor on the form feature 82 will be focused on the secondary score 78,thus making it easier to open the vent opening. By enclosing the score,the stiffening structure 74 also minimizes the likelihood of rupture ofthe score 78 beyond the predetermined score 78 or stiffening structure74. If the stiffening structure 74 includes a raised bead, enclosing thesecondary score 78 within the stiffening structure 74 will provideadditional safety features that will be discussed in detail inconnection with FIGS. 7 a-b.

FIGS. 6 a-d are partially fragmented section views taken along line A-Aof FIG. 5 and illustrate various configurations of stiffening structures74 and vent form features 82 according to embodiments of the presentinvention. In general, the stiffening structures 74 and vent form orpanel features 82 are designed to make the vent opening easier to open,eliminate the likelihood of a rupture across the panel 58, and provideother safety features discussed herein. Referring to FIG. 6 a, thestiffening structure 74 is a recessed bead that encloses the secondaryscore 78 and the vent form feature 82, which is shown as a raised ramp.The secondary score termination is directed away from a center of thecentral panel and towards the panel outer perimeter 62. Referring toFIG. 6 b, the vent form feature 82 is a recessed ramp. As either araised or recessed ramp, the vent form feature 82 provides a seat for anopening tool to exert force on the secondary gate and stiffens the areanear the secondary score 78 to allow an opening force to be focused onthe score 78. In FIG. 6 c, a raised bead stiffening structure 74 isprovided along with a recessed ramp vent form feature 82. In FIG. 6 d, araised bead stiffening structure 74 is provided along with a raised rampvent form feature 82. As illustrated in FIGS. 6 a-d, variouscombinations of stiffening structures 74 and vent form features 82 maybe utilized.

As shown in FIGS. 6 a-6 d, a vent form feature or panel 82 comprises aramp portion 172 positioned between a vent form feature 82 connected toa central panel 58. The ramp portion 172 connects the vent form featureto a remainder of the central panel. In the embodiments of FIGS. 6 b and6 c, the ramp 172 extends upwardly to connect a recessed feature to thepanel 58. In alternative embodiments, and as shown in FIGS. 6 a and 6 d,the ramp 172 extends downwardly to interconnect a raised feature to thepanel 58.

FIGS. 7 a-b depict a safety feature of a stiffening structure accordingto an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 7 a, astiffening structure 74, illustrated as a raised bead, encloses asecondary score 78, and a secondary gate 86 is closed. In FIG. 7 b, thesecondary gate 86 has been bent inward about a secondary gate hinge 90,thus opening the vent opening and exposing a fractured edge of the score78. As illustrated, the stiffening structure 74 provides rigidity to thegate hinge 90 and provides protection against the score 78 extendingbeyond the stiffening structure 74. Further, the stiffening structure 74prevents a finger from contacting the exposed edge of the score 78. Asdepicted, a consumer's finger 128 contacts the stiffening structure 74,thus preventing the finger 128 from contacting the fractured edge of thescore 78. This safety feature reduces the risk of a finger laceration.

FIGS. 8 a-c depict a safety fold 130 according to an embodiment of thepresent invention. Referring to FIG. 8 a, a container end closure 14includes a vent opening 70 associated with a secondary score 78, asecondary gate 86, and a safety fold 130. As shown in FIG. 8 b, thesecondary gate 86 is in a closed position, and the secondary score 78 isformed beneath a safety fold 130. Applying a downward force on the gate86 fractures the score 78 and bends the gate 86 inward. As shown in FIG.8 c, once the gate is bent inward, an edge 132 of the safety fold 130protects a consumer from a fractured edge of the score 78.

Referring to FIGS. 9 a-f, various configurations of vent openings andassociated features according to embodiments of the present inventionare provided. FIG. 9 a illustrates a vent opening 70 located in theupper right quadrant of a container end closure 14. In FIG. 9 a, thevent opening 70 has a generally u-shaped secondary score 78 thatterminates toward the panel outer perimeter 62. In this configuration,no stiffening structure 74 or vent form feature 82 is provided. FIG. 9 billustrates a vent opening 70 having a generally bulbous-shapedsecondary score 78, similar to the shape of an incandescent light bulb,and a vent form feature 82. As illustrated the secondary score 78terminates toward the panel outer perimeter 62. Although a stiffeningstructure 74 is not shown in FIG. 9 b, a stiffening structure 74 may beprovided in some embodiments. The generally bulbous-shaped secondaryscore 78 depicted in FIG. 9 b may be particularly suited foraccommodating straws. As shown in FIG. 9 c, the dispensing opening 66and a vent opening 70 have been opened. The vent opening 70 has acircular portion 134 along with a stem portion 138. In someconfigurations, the circular portion 134 is designed to snuglyaccommodate a straw and the stem portion 138 provides a vent to enhancethe flow of contents up the straw. In these configurations, thedispensing opening 66 is not necessary for dispensing container contentsand, if provided, the consumer may elect not to open the dispensingopening 66.

Referring to FIG. 9 d, a container end closure 14 is provided with twovent openings 70, one located in an upper right quadrant 42 and theother located in an upper left quadrant 54. As illustrated, the ventopenings 70 have different shapes and associated features. However, asshown, both of the vent openings 70 are directed towards the panel outerperimeter 62.

Referring to FIG. 9 e, a container end closure 14 is provided with twovent openings 70, one located in an upper right quadrant 42 and theother located in an upper left quadrant 54. As illustrated, the ventopenings 70 are identical in shape and associated features. However, thevent openings 70 are not symmetrical about a bisecting axis 142. Morespecifically, the location and orientation of the vent openings 70within their respective quadrants are different. As shown, the ventopening 70 associated with the upper left quadrant 54 is located closerto bisecting axis 146 than the vent opening 70 associated with the upperright quadrant 42. Additionally, the vent opening 70 associated with theupper left quadrant 54 is not oriented towards the panel outer perimeter62 as is the vent opening 70 associated with the upper right quadrant42.

Referring to FIG. 9 f, a container end closure 14 is provided with twovent openings 70, one located in an upper right quadrant 42 and theother located in an upper left quadrant 54. As illustrated, the ventopenings 70 are identical in shape and associated features, and aresymmetrical about a bisecting axis 142.

FIGS. 10 a-c depict further configurations of vent openings andassociated features according to embodiments of the present invention.As shown in FIGS. 10 a-c, a container end closure 14 is provided havinga vent opening 70 disposed within a debossed area 68. As illustrated,the vent opening 70 is associated with a secondary score 78 and indicia150, such as a logo. The indicia 150 is disposed on at least a portionof a secondary gate and focuses the attention of the consumer on theflow enhancement feature 70. The indicia 150 may be printed, embossed,debossed, or incised on the end closure 14. Additional methods known inthe art are also contemplated. As illustrated, a tab 24 is positionedover a gate 22 that is associated with a dispensing opening 66. In someembodiments, the vent opening 70 is selectively positioned on the endclosure 14 to allow the tab 24 to open the vent opening 70. In otherembodiments, the vent opening 70 is selectively positioned on the endclosure 14 out of reach of the tab 24, and an opening tool is requiredto open the vent opening 70.

Referring to FIGS. 11 a-b, embodiments of a container end closure 14 areprovided that do not utilize a tab. As illustrated in FIG. 11 a, thecontainer end closure 14 contains a dispensing opening 66 and a ventopening 70 that are identical in shape, size, and associated features.The dispensing opening 66 is associated with a score 18, a gate 22, aprimary gate hinge 154, and a stiffening structure 74. The vent opening70 is associated with a secondary score 78, a secondary gate 86, asecondary gate hinge 90, and a stiffening structure 74. As depicted,both the primary score 18 and the secondary score 78 terminate away froma center of the central panel 58 and towards the panel outer perimeter62. As will be appreciated by one of skill in the art, the hinge mayvary with the size of the opening, and the hinge may be located in anyof the four quadrants or any combination of quadrants. FIG. 11 billustrates a dispensing opening 66 and a vent opening 70 after the gate22 and the secondary gate 86 have been bent inward by an opening tool.

Referring to FIGS. 12 a-b, the vent opening 70 has the same generaltriangular shape and associated features as the dispensing opening 66;however, the vent opening 70 is smaller in size than the dispensingopening 66. The triangular shape allows an opening tool to focus adownward force near the apex of the triangle, thus fracturing the scoremore easily. Referring to FIGS. 13 a-b, the dispensing opening 66 andthe vent opening 70 are similar in size, have the same associatedfeatures, and are generally u-shaped. The u-shape opening provides alarger opening as compared to the triangular shape. The u-shaped openingalso provides a greater safety factor over the triangular shape becausethe u-shaped opening does not have an apex with a sharp focal point.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an opening tool according to anembodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 14, a customized church key158 is provided that may be utilized to open a secondary gate 86associated with a vent opening 70. The customized church key 158 has ahandle 162 that acts as a lever, a claw 166 to grip the peripheral seamof a container end closure, and a forward end 170 to contact and open asecondary gate. It is contemplated that an opening tool may be a churchkey, as shown in FIG. 14, or a customized tool to accommodate variousconfigurations of vent openings 70, including those disclosed herein.For example, in one embodiment, a modified church key is utilized thathas a blunt forward end 170 to focalize the downward force on asecondary gate. As another example, the forward end 170 may beconfigured into a specific shape that corresponds to the shape of thevent opening 70 and associated vent form feature 82, thereby providing adirect transfer of force to the secondary gate and associated score. Itis further contemplated that an opening tool may be a coin, a car key, apen, a paper clip, a credit card, a driver's license, or other devicesthat are available to a consumer. In some embodiments a consumer'sfinger may be used without an accessory tool to open a vent opening.

Referring to FIG. 15, an opening tool 158 is selectively positioned on acontainer end closure 14 according to an embodiment of the presentinvention. As illustrated, a forward end 170 of the opening tool 158 isseated in a recessed vent form feature 82. To open the vent opening, aconsumer engages the claw 166 with the peripheral seam 124 and lifts thehandle 162. The lifting motion causes the forward end 170 of the openingtool 158 to press downward on the vent form feature 82, which in turnfractures the score 78 and opens the vent opening.

Referring now to FIGS. 16 a-16 c, a panel with a secondary vent featureaccording to one embodiment is provided. As shown in FIG. 16 a, a ventopening 70 is provided in an upper right quadrant of an end closure. Thevent opening 70 comprises a recessed vent form feature or panel 82 witha secondary score 78. FIGS. 16 b-16 c are cross-sectional views takenalong A-A of FIG. 16 a and depict various details of the secondary ventfeature 70. As shown, a recessed portion 82 is provided with an angle αof between approximately 2 degrees and approximately 10 degrees withrespect to a horizontal plane. Accordingly, in various embodiments, therecessed portion 82 projects downwardly toward a product side of the endclosure by at least 0.004 inches and by as much as 0.03 inches. A wellor trough portion is formed on the public side of the end closure, witha depth of between approximately 0.002 inches and approximately 0.015inches. Preferably, this depth is between is approximately 0.004 inchesand 0.012 inches. The well or trough of the recessed portion 82 isadapted for receiving one or more objects for tearing open the secondaryvent feature 70. Such objects include, but are not limited to, fingers,keys, nails, bottle openers, church keys, etc.

As further shown in FIGS. 16 a-16 c, a ramp portion 172 is providedbetween and interconnecting the recessed portion 82 to a portion of thecentral panel 58 contained within the secondary score 78. The rampfeature 172 extends upwardly from the vent panel 82 and connects to alip portion 174 of the central panel 58 bounded by secondary score 78.In various embodiments, the width of the lip portion 174 is betweenapproximately 0.005 inches and approximately 0.05 inches. Preferably,this width is between approximately 0.01 inches and 0.04 inches.

A downwardly extending vent panel 82 comprises a length of betweenapproximately 0.01 inches and approximately 0.25 inches in variousembodiments. Preferably, the recessed vent panel 82 comprises adownwardly extending length 176 of between approximately 0.02 inches andapproximately 0.23 inches. When forced downwardly with an opening tool,the vent panel 82 creates a hinge point proximate to an outer peripheraledge of the central panel 58.

The description of the present invention has been presented for purposesof illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive orlimiting of the invention to the form disclosed. The scope of thepresent invention is limited only by the scope of the following claims.Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinaryskill in the art. The embodiments described and shown in the figureswere chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of theinvention, the practical application, and to enable those of ordinaryskill in the art to understand the invention.

While various embodiments of the present invention have been describedin detail, it is apparent that modifications and alterations of thoseembodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. Moreover, referencesmade herein to “the present invention” or aspects thereof should beunderstood to mean certain embodiments of the present invention andshould not necessarily be construed as limiting all embodiments to aparticular description. It is to be expressly understood that suchmodifications and alterations are within the scope and spirit of thepresent invention, as set forth in the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A vented beverage container comprising: acontainer body with a lower end and an upper end defined by a neck; anda metallic end closure integrally interconnected to the neck, the endclosure comprising a peripheral curl adapted for interconnection to theneck of a container, a central panel positioned inwardly from theperipheral curl, a primary score positioned within the central panel anddefining a dispensing opening, and a secondary score positioned withinthe central panel which defines a vent feature; wherein a termination ofthe secondary score is directed towards the peripheral curl to form ahinge point; and said vent feature comprises a recessed portionprojecting downwardly toward a product side of the container and forminga ramp adapted to engage an opening tool.
 2. The container of claim 1,wherein said ramp has an upper end which terminates at substantially thesame elevation as said central panel.
 3. The container of claim 1,wherein the secondary score is surrounded by a raised bead.
 4. Thecontainer of claim 1, wherein said vent feature has a surface area nogreater than about 25% of the surface area of said dispensing opening.5. The container of claim 1, wherein said ramp is oriented downwardly atan angle of at least about 2 degrees.
 6. The container of claim 1,wherein said vent feature projects downwardly toward a product side ofthe end closure by at least about 0.004 inches.
 7. A method for openinga beverage container with a secondary vent opening, comprising:providing a container body with a lower end with a support surface and aneck on an upper end; providing a metallic end closure with a peripheralcurl interconnected to the neck of said container, a chuck wall, acountersink and a central panel; providing a dispensing opening in saidcentral panel with a first area defined by a primary score; providing avent opening with a second area no greater than 25% of said first areaand defined by a secondary score, said dispensing opening positionedproximate to an outer edge of said central panel and opposite saidprimary score; providing a pull tab interconnected to said central panelwhich comprises a lift ring and a nose, said nose positioned over atleast a portion of said dispensing opening; pulling said lift ring todrive said nose into said dispensing opening to shear said primary scoreand create the dispensing opening; positioning an opening tool over saidvent opening and engaging a downwardly extending ramp provided with saidvent opening and at least partially within said secondary score;applying an opening force with said opening tool to sever said secondaryscore and open said vent opening, wherein air is allowed to ingress intosaid vent opening while product is being dispensed from said dispensingopening.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein said ramp is orientedinwardly and downwardly at an angle of at least about 2 degrees.
 9. Themethod of claim 7, wherein said vent opening is substantially surroundedby a reinforcing bead.
 10. A vented metallic end closure adapted forinterconnection to a neck of a container body, comprising: a peripheralcurl; a chuck wall extending downwardly from the peripheral curl; acountersink interconnected to a lower end of the chuck wall; and acentral panel interconnected to the countersink, the central panelhaving a primary score defining a dispensing opening; a rivet adapted tosecure a pull tab above the central panel; a secondary score defining avent opening with a vent panel, wherein a secondary score termination isdirected towards the peripheral curl to form a hinge point, and at leasta portion of said vent panel is inclined downwardly toward a productside of said central panel to define a ramp extending below saidsecondary score, wherein said ramp is adapted for receiving one or moreobjects for opening the secondary score.
 11. The metallic end closure ofclaim 10, wherein said ramp is inclined at an angle of between about 2degrees and 10 degrees.
 12. The metallic end closure of claim 10,wherein said ramp has an upper end positioned in substantially the samehorizontal plane as said central panel.
 13. The metallic end closure ofclaim 10, wherein the secondary score comprises at least one of atriangular shape, an arcuate shape and a rectangular shape.
 14. Themetallic end closure of claim 10, wherein the secondary score comprisesa shape configured to accommodate a straw.
 15. The metallic end closureof claim 10, wherein the vent opening comprises a safety fold tosubstantially eliminate exposure of a fractured score edge to aconsumer's fingers.
 16. The metallic end closure of claim 10, whereinthe vent opening has a surface area no greater than about 25% of thedispensing opening.
 17. The metallic end closure of claim 16, whereinthe vent opening is approximately 5% by area of the dispensing opening.18. The metallic end closure of claim 10, wherein the vent opening isconfigured to be the secondary mode of failure relative to thedispensing opening.
 19. The metallic end closure of claim 10, furthercomprising a pull tab interconnected to said rivet to facilitate openingof said dispensing opening.
 20. The metallic end closure of claim 10,wherein said vent panel is laterally offset from a midline of the endclosure, said midline extending through said rivet and said dispensingopening.